Ascension today announced the release of its FY25 Ascension Clinical Research Institute (ACRI) Annual Report, showcasing a year of groundbreaking clinical research targeted at serving patients and communities through discovery, continuous improvement and care transformation.
“Our system-wide research enterprise continues to be a vehicle for moving medical science and Ascension forward,” said Fred Masoudi, MD, MSPH, MACC, FAHA, Vice President and Chief Academic Officer. “This report shows the tangible impact of our investigators, staff and research volunteers as they drive research that advances prevention, diagnosis and treatment for all persons. These stories are just a highlight of the practice-changing, evidence-based discoveries being made across our organization everyday to make a real-world difference."
In FY25 alone, Ascension investigators participated in 3,524 active studies and 482 clinical trials, with research focused in cardiology, oncology, neurosciences and beyond.
Other impressive outcomes from the last year showcased in the report include:
- 3,559 adults and children were enrolled in clinical trials across 10 ministry markets.
- 759 publications featuring Ascension research.
- 91 nurse-led research studies and 25 nurse scientist-led investigations.
These breakthroughs are the result of a strategic focus on the unmet medical needs faced by our patients and clinicians. Ascension hospitals conduct research trials in a wide range of clinical areas aligned to the unique health priorities of the communities we serve. In FY25, ACRI drove research initiatives targeting specific service line needs, with cardiology and oncology representing the Institute’s most prominent areas of study. Ascension’s cardiovascular research accounted for 14.4% of ACRI’s active studies this past fiscal year, and an additional 26.4% of all active studies centered on oncology research.
“Clinical research at Ascension is about more than just serving the patients who come through our doors–it’s about expanding what is possible across healthcare,” said Tom Aloia, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer. “Because of our efforts, providers across the industry have access to treatments and technologies that were developed, tested, taught and proven by Ascension researchers. Our robust clinical research infrastructure is an integral part of our care footprint, empowering us to enhance the quality and effectiveness of our care for entire communities.”
The ARCI is part of the larger Ascension Clinical Innovation Institute (CII), which brings together cross-disciplinary experts across the organization under one structure focused on the pursuit of improving care and access through innovation. The CII is working to improve clinical workflows, integrate digital tools, and expand access to clinical trials.
